Where does glycolysis occur in the cell?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytosol of the cell, which is the fluid component of the cytoplasm. This metabolic pathway is essential for breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADH in the process. The cytosol is the ideal environment for glycolysis as it contains the necessary enzymes and substrates needed for this pathway to occur efficiently.

While the mitochondria are involved in subsequent stages of glucose metabolism—such as the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation—glycolysis itself does not take place there. The nucleus is primarily involved in genetic material management and does not participate in the glycolytic process. The plasma membrane serves as a barrier and a site for communication but does not have the enzymes required for glycolysis. Thus, the cytosol is the correct location for glycolysis to happen.